The Government of Canada is working with Canadians, including private sponsors, non-governmental organizations, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees during what is the largest global refugee crisis since the Second World War. The City of Burlington anticipates about 30 families will settle in our community. The city has been encouraged by offers of help.
Learn more about the Government of Canada's Syrian refugee initiative.
How to Help: Donate. Volunteer. Sponsor.
Donate and Volunteer
Please visit the City of Burlington's community website to donate or volunteer.
This website allows groups seeking donations, services and volunteers to connect with people who have services and goods to offer. Please visit the site and enter your information to:
- Get assistance
- Donate (e.g. goods, resources, services, money)
- Volunteer
Sponsor
You can help those fleeing the crisis in Syria by sponsoring them to come to Canada. Canadians can sponsor refugees in three different ways. Learn more from the Government of Canada.
On Dec. 1, 2015, hundreds of people came together at Mainway Recreation Centre to find ways to help the people of war-torn Syria. See video from the event above.
A Message from Mayor Rick Goldring
Connecting goods and services with sponsors of Syrian refugees
January 2016
On behalf of City Council, I would again like to express my gratitude for the outpouring of support for Syrian refugees that will be arriving in our community.
Through the recovers webpage burlingtonactionsyria.recovers.org created by the City of Burlington, hundreds of people have registered to donate goods and services. We thank every one of you for your generosity.
If they have not done so already, we encourage groups supporting Syrian refugees to create an account on burlingtonactionsyria.recovers.org, so they can review the many offers and contact these donors.
The Mayor's Office will also be connecting directly with all known local groups involved in this initiative to ensure they are aware of the vast array of items listed on the webpage.
It is important to note that it may take a period of time for groups to connect with those offering goods and services. If you are a donor of goods or you have a service or skill to volunteer and you have not heard from a sponsor group, we suggest you stay listed on the page as more families are expected to arrive over coming weeks and months.
We have heard long-term rental accommodations are a challenge for some groups welcoming newcomers. If you have a long-term rental available, we encourage you to fill out a housing form listed under 'Housing' at www.burlington.ca/welcomesyria.
If you are a group seeking housing, please contact welcomesyria@burlington.ca to check in if there is an accommodation that would match your request.
Thank you for again for your support of Syrian refugees. Your generosity represents our community at its best.
Mayor Rick Goldring
Questions?
Please email your questions to welcomesyria@burlington.ca.
Helpful Links
Government of Canada Immigration and Citizenship
The UN Refugee Agency
Lifeline Syria
Wesley Urban Ministries
Burlington Community Foundation
Halton Region - Services for Newcomers